Friday, July 20, 2007

Let’s Talk Shade Structures!

One thing we felt was misrepresented in the press was the TRUE COST OF CONVERSIONS.  What was printed in the newspaper as the “cost of conversion to year-round” was basically the cost of the teacher’s track-out carts (which was approximately $65,000)  As we dug deeper, we found that the cost of these carts was just a SMALL FRACTION of the true cost.

I’m happy to share our calculations with anyone interested, because it was close to $800,000 which is obviously a HUGE discrepancy.

But, one cost that was not included in the cost of conversion was shade structures to go over the school playgrounds.  We couldn’t believe that the school system was not considering putting shade structures over all of the playgrounds at the 19 Elementary schools being forced to convert to a YR schedule.  We all know how hot playground equipment can be in the North Carolina sun.  After a child slides down a hot slide or feels the burn of hot monkey bars on his/her hands, you can be pretty certain that he/she won’t be playing on the hot playground equipment for a long time.

I know that as an adult I am miserable being outside in the hot summer sun without a swimming pool nearby—-even just standing still.  Most children won’t stand still or seek shade when it’s recess time—-what they want to do is run and play with their friends, and this could really cause some problems.  (heat exhaustion, dehydration, and sunburn to name a few)

In the short time I’ve been involved in looking into shade structures, it appears that some schools are well on their way to getting these for their schools.  Unfortunately, from what I’ve been told (and I know that I could be wrong) it sounds like the school system is refusing to pay for these, so the funds have to be raised by the PTA at each school.

I thought that soliciting corporate sponsorships would be a great way to raise the necessary funds, however I was told that the Wake County School System will not allow corporations to fund these types of items.

What are other Year-Round schools doing in regards to shade structures?

Does anyone know if it’s true that the School System won’t allow corporations to pay for shade structures?

Does anyone have advice regarding grant applications?

THANKS for your input!

I appreciate the input and advice regarding grant applications.  Thanks for the e-mails.

I’d love to hear if it’s true that corporations can’t pay for shade structures?  I see that as being a no-brainer and an avenue I’d like to pursue.

How are other schools handling the shade structure funding and design?

Lisa,
Funny thing you should be bringing this issue up.  I too have heard that wcpss is refusing corporate sponsorship. Personally, I think that if they aren’t contributing they should have zero say in the matter.
Also, I have done a good bit of priliminary research into what other nations and states provide for their children.
Here in NC there was SB886 in 2003 that was passed by the House but was then sent to committee. This bill addressed policy regarding SunSafe Schools.
When this semester is done in 2 weeks I will be putting together a handy dandy little paper to support policy change in WCPSS and perhaps the state.  Once it is done, shouldn’t take too long since I’ve done the lit search already, I will see where I need to take it.
Shoot me an email and I will expound.:-)

The majority of skin cancer causing damage occurs from infantcy through 18years.  This is because of the rapid growth of cells that occurs in children. Those cells are more susceptible to UVA&B;radiation.
Preventing skin damage from the sun reduces the risk of developing skin cancer as an adult by 78%!
Then factor in things like heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration.
Also take into account that studies have proven that having physical activity improves learning time for kids. Not to mention the whole issue of overweight and obesity.

There are guidelines put forth by W.H.O. and C.D.C. regarding sun exposure for children.

By not providing shade structures the WCPSS is putting the present and future health of our children at risk.

Perhaps not knowingly. (benefit of the doubt) Hence the reason for my research and pending paper.

I read somewhere that one school decided against shade structures because in the winter it would make the playground area too cold.  Just tossing it out there for something to consider as well.  Also, I heard it mentioned that trees could provide the shade we desire. Unfortunately, large trees are expensive, so I am not sure it would be the quick fix to the problem.

We’ve considered shade structures at our school but haven’t made a decision yet.  We did consider that shade can be “bad” during the cold months.  However we found that many of the structures have removable canopy-like tops.  They can be removed during the fall and winter to allow the sun to warm the equipment.

Tonight we are going to fund-raiser at a local restaurant for shade structures at our school.  I am still perplexed how this exposure to a corporate sponsor is less harmful than putting a name on a canopy.

What I’ve heard about corporate sponsorships is this, if we all get shade structures and put a company name on them then we open ourselves (PTA & schools) to having to allow sponsors for all types of things.  We put ourselves in the position of having companies ask if they can sponsor a trash can (and put their name on it) or a soccer goal, etc.  If we allow one company to do it for one item then it’s only fair to allow other companies to do it for other things.  It has more to do with “opening the door for others” than it does with getting the shade we all want.  This could get pretty ugly so it’s probably better to avoid it.

Personally, I don’t see a problem with allowing a corporation to put their name/logo on an item that they purchase for the school.  The High School booster clubs have sponsors, and I see Pepsi and Coke all over at sporting events.

I’m not suggesting “Marlboro”, “Bud Light” or “Thee Doll House” as sponsors, but there should be a way that we could allow some sponsorships of some type in order to alleviate even MORE fundraising that we have to do.  (I personally think we already do an awful lot as it is)

I read somewhere that WCPSS is looking for corporate sponsors to fund a TV show that they want to use as a communication tool—-I’m curious to know how that is different than schools looking for corporate sponsors to fund shade structures?

Does anyone have more information on this?

I think if the School Board does not want corporate sponsorship of these shade structures, they should cover the costs at all converted, new and previous year round schools.  I feel the individual schools should not have to pay for these.  The problem is going to be some schools may be able to get these put up right away while others will not have the means to get one this year.  If they plan on operating schools on a year round calendar, I would think this should be added to that cost.

When I realized that our school would indeed be one of the converted, I had very mixed emotions. But the one concern that popped into my mind was the playground and lack of shade. My fear was realized the first day of school when my daughter (first grade) innocently began to play on the monkey bars. She came home with enormous blisters on both her hands.( I later learned she was not the only child in her class this happened to.) Upon further investigation of said blisters, I also realized she had burns as well. I obviously told her she would have to stay away from her “favorite” playground equipment until the weather became cooler. I hope that we can collectively find a solution to this problem, so that other children are spared unnecessary injury.

If anyone wants to look at pictures of shade for the playgrounds either in the schools or at the daycars please logo onto http://www.sunports.com
I will gladly answer any questions and give you information
Dot (214)850-5651

The shade industry is relatively new in the United States, unlike overseas where it has been a mature industry for many years. It dates back to 1990 when the first shade cover in the United States was erected in Dallas, Texas.

Most schools desire to shade their playgrounds, playground equipment, and sports facilities, but oftentimes this benefit is viewed as out of reach and expensive.

Its a Good idea,but many schools may hesitate because of it’s cost.Schools will have better look if this idea is implemented.

Then factor in things like heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration.
Also take into account that studies have proven that having physical activity improves learning time for kids. Not to mention the whole issue of overweight and obesity